Subsea Pressure Variance Device for Umbilical-Free Fluid Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Offshore hydrocarbon production operations face challenges in flow assurance due to deposition of materials like methane hydrates, waxes, and scales in flowlines and risers, which constrict flow and require periodic removal, and existing fluid injection systems rely on costly and complex umbilicals for power and control.
Innovation Solution
A subsea fluid injection system that utilizes pressure variance devices, either intensifiers or deintensifiers, to generate power from the hydrostatic pressure of seawater, eliminating the need for umbilicals by increasing or decreasing the hydrostatic head to achieve desired injection pressures for injecting hydrate-inhibiting, corrosion-inhibiting, and wax-inhibiting materials into subsea hydrocarbon extraction components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fluid injection systems use umbilicals for power and control, then reliable fluid injection can be achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the natural hydrostatic pressure of the subsea environment itself to power the fluid injection process. The pressure variance device converts ambient pressure variations into usable injection pressure, making the system self-powered and eliminating dependence on external umbilical power supplies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs hydraulic principles by utilizing the hydrostatic pressure of seawater to drive the fluid injection process. The pressure variance device acts as a hydraulic intensifier, converting ambient pressure into high-pressure injection fluid without requiring external power sources.
2Use of energy by moving object
If fluid injection systems use umbilicals for power and control, then adequate power supply is ensured, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system harvests energy from the natural hydrostatic pressure environment where it operates. By using the ambient pressure of the subsea environment as the power source, the system eliminates the need for expensive umbilical power supplies while ensuring adequate energy for fluid injection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the high hydrostatic pressure, which would normally be a challenge to overcome for injection, into the very power source needed to drive the injection process. This transforms an environmental obstacle into a beneficial energy source.
3Device complexity
If pressure variance devices are used to eliminate umbilicals, then system complexity is reduced, but power generation capability must be sufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure variance device functions as a hydraulic intensifier, using the natural hydrostatic pressure of the subsea environment to generate sufficient injection power. The device amplifies ambient pressure variations into the high pressures required for effective fluid injection, eliminating the need for complex power supply systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system enhances flow assurance by minimizing deposit formation and extending the life of wells without the need for umbilicals, reducing complexity and costs in subsea operations, while ensuring efficient fluid injection into subsea hydrocarbon extraction components.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure variance device can generally comprise an intensifier or deintensifier in pressure communication with an external subsea environment. In this way, the hydrostatic pressure of the external subsea environment can be increased or decreased to achieve a desired injection pressure for the fluid injection system.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to a system for injecting a fluid into a subsea hydrocarbon extraction component. The system comprises a pressure variance device including an ambient chamber and a variance chamber, the ambient chamber exposed to an external subsea environment and configured to transfer the pressure to the variance chamber via a pressure variance device piston. The system further comprises an accumulator including a fluid delivery chamber and a pressure chamber, the pressure chamber configured to receive the pressure from the variance chamber and transfer the pressure to the fluid delivery chamber via an accumulator piston. The system also comprises a control system configured to regulate injection of the fluid from the fluid delivery chamber into the hydrocarbon extraction component. In this way, the system can intensify or deintensify a hydrostatic pressure in the subsea environment to inject chemicals in the hydrocarbon extraction component at a desired pressure.